RED BLUFF, Calif. (AP) - As the family of a slain Red Bluff girl prepares for her memorial service, police have revealed that she was strangled to death.

Police Chief Paul Nanfito issued a statement Tuesday saying that 14-year-old Marysa Nichols died from asphyxiation by ligature strangulation. It means something other than hands was used.

The Redding Record Searchlight reports that accused killer Quentin Ray Bealer is expected to make a first appearance in Tehama County Superior Court on Wednesday. The 39-year-old turned himself in after surveillance video showed someone fitting his description outside the school where the teen disappeared on Feb. 26.

Bealer's bail has been set at $1 million.

Marysa's memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Chapel in Red Bluff.

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